During the fall and winter of 1861, the Thirty-Sixth encamped and marched with the Army of Ohio to Nashville. In March of 1862, they moved up the Tennessee River to the field of Shiloh and missed the first day of battle, but took an active part in the second day battle at Shiloh. In December 31, 1862 to January 1 & 2, 2863, they fought in the battle of Stone River. The 36th continued to fight in battles in and around chattanooga from December of 1863 to February 1864. Early in May 1864, the regiment moved with Sherman's army toward Atlanta and participated in the marches, skirmishes and engagements of this eventful campaign. Reuben was in the Tullahoma, Chickamauga and Atlanta Campaigns. On the 13th of August 1864, when near Atlanta, some veterans left for Indianapolis, where they mustered out. Reuben mustered out at this time. He had received a hand injury in the battle of Murfreesboro, TN, December 1862 to January 1863. He received pensions of $8 (1890), $12 (1906). then to $18 and then to $25 by the time of his death May 4, 1919.
Reuben had other family members that fought in the Civil War at different times and from different places.
Reuben's father, Henry H Ray was a member of the 20th Regiment, Ohio Infantry for three months in 1861. Organized at Columbus, Ohio in April and May 1861, Henry mustered in May 23, 1861 at the age of 43. They were ordered to West Virginia and saw action June 23 and pursued Garnett on July 15-16. Their duty was to protect the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad till August. He was mustered out on August 23, 1861.
Reuben's brother, Ira H Ray was in Company C, 9th Regiment, Indiana Cavalry, mustered in at Indianapolis, Indiana, December 18, 1863. This regiment fought in the Nashville, Tennessee area, continued to Vicksburg, Mississippi, on south to New Orleans, Louisiana. Ira mustered out August 28, 1865 at Vicksburg, Mississippi. On July 7, 1890, at the age of 45, Ira was given a pension for Sciatica and Piles.
Reuben's half-brother, John W Bates was in Company G, 93rd Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, mustered in at Gratis, Ohio, August 29, 1862. He was discharged March 5, 1863 at Nashville, Tennessee. John was considered unfit for duty because he had lost the capacity of cornea of the right eye with the complete loss of sight - Blindness. He had been shot in action on February 20, 1863 and was given a pension.
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